ABHI to Withdraw UK Pavilion from MEDICA 2020
Currently, Messe Düsseldorf, the organisers of MEDICA, are still advising that the show will take place from 16 - 19 November 2020. After much consideration, and consultation, we remain concerned that there is a high likelihood the show will not take place. Elsewhere, you will have seen extensions to restrictions on mass gatherings deep into the Autumn. Should MEDICA still go ahead this year we are worried about the impact of social distancing measures, travel restrictions and visitor numbers on the value and quality of the show. Despite our concerns, the organisers are insisting on financial commitments by 15 May. Therefore, we have taken the decision to withdraw the UK Pavilion at the show this year, releasing our exhibitors from their contractual commitments and refunding them in full.
MEDICA has been a fixture of ABHI's international calendar for over 20 years, and we remain committed to hosting the UK's largest and most-visible presence of companies at future shows. We are, however, acutely aware of the unprecedented challenges impacting SMEs. We believe that this proactive decision is the responsible choice given the significant financial commitment required by exhibitors during this period of uncertainty. In supporting our healthcare professionals to limit the spread of the virus, we are also mindful of the reputational impact of attending a mass gathering.
We are investigating other options to showcase your offers to the rest of the world in the near-term, namely, the concept of hosting a virtual ABHI UK Pavilion, and I will share with you details of how this develops. We are also in regular dialogue with the Department for International Trade to develop a targeted programme of export support for British innovators as we begin to recover from the COVID-19 crisis.
This is a big decision, not taken lightly, but we believe it is the right one. The continued safety of exhibitors and your staff, and respite for SMEs, are paramount.
For any UK company still wishing to attend MEDICA 2020, we will of course work closely with you to support your presence at the show. If you would like to discuss this, or indeed anything related to our international activity, please do get in touch directly with me. We look forward to welcoming you back into the ABHI UK Pavilion at MEDICA 2021.
